Climbing Wall

Casual Climbing | Climbing Courses | Inductions | Booking Infomation | What to Wear |


Climbing route grades available to download now
Dominating the main entrance of the Sports Village is the impressive 400 square metre-climbing wall. The 12 metres high wall provides a challenging climbing surface for all grades of climbers from beginners to advanced and boasts the following:

  • 26 lead and top roping walls including impressive overhang, vertical and slab surfaces;
  • Bouldering area and Abseil cave;
  • Tufa, arétes, crack climbs and high-level stances.

The wall is available for use by individuals and groups and a number of climbing courses for all ages and climbing abilities are available. Children's climbing wall birthday parties are also available. For your safety and enjoyment please refer to our climbing wall guidelines.

Casual Climbing
Opening Times
Monday - Friday 06:30 - 22:30 (Please note, Hertfordshire Sports Village closes at the earlier time of 21:00 Fridays throughout June, July and August)
Saturday 08:00 - 19:00
Sunday 08:00 - 21:00

Age Limit & Experience Restrictions
To determine if you are eligible to use the wall, please refer to our climbing wall critical path for casual users.

  • To use the climbing wall users must be at least 8 years old.
  • Climbers under the age of 18 must be supervised by an authorised adult user, ratio of 2 children per authorised adult apply.
  • The climbing wall at any given time has a capacity of 25 climbers, EXCEPT when there are courses and birthday parties (please refer to timetable). The capacity of the wall is reduced to 20 or less depending on pre-booked wall activity. Please be aware that this results in LIMITED AVAILABILITY.
  • Each purchased climbing session entitles the user to 90 minutes use. During peak time you will be asked to honor your time allowance and may be asked to produce your receipt.
  • No spectators in the climbing room.
  • Between 17:00 and 22:00, the climbing wall often reaches capacity and a waiting list is formed.
  • Bookings are subject to change -please phone ahead to avoid disappointment.

Junior Climbing Courses
Hertfordshire Sports Village offers a range of junior, term-time climbing courses for all climbing abilities. Courses run from 4.30pm - 6.00pm (for 8-12 year olds) and from 6.15pm - 7.45pm (for 10-17 year olds). For price information, please contact reception on  01707 284466 .

More course details to follow, please contact Phil Wills on 01707 281179 for full details. 

Junior club sessions to recommence on Monday 6 September. Summer junior climbing courses available, please contact reception on 01707 284466 for full details.

Adult Climbing Courses
Hertfordshire Sports Village run adult, term-time climbing beginner courses. Courses run from 7.30pm - 9.30pm (for 18 year olds and above). Prices are £91.50 members, £97.50 non-members (for 6 week courses). Please note that adult sports village membership is available for only £40.

At the current time we are waiting for confirmation of instructor availability for the next adult course. If you are interested in taking part in the next adult course, please email Phil Wills at climber@herts.ac.uk and he will notify you when it is confirmed.

Price lists for all types of membership and usage options at Hertfordshire Sports Village and details of any current special offers can be viewed at our downloads page.

Adult Climbing Wall Inductions For 18+ Years Old
£15 members
£18 non-members

Booking Information:
Places can be booked over the telephone (members & non-members) or in person. Please note that we need a minimum of 2 people to run a climbing wall induction (maximum of 4 per session).

For telephone bookings please contact the Sports Village on  01707 284466 with credit/debit card information to hand. Reception staff will book you onto your induction accordingly.

For in person bookings visit the Sports Village reception and you will be able to book your session but payment will be required at the time you book. We regret we cannot accept provisional bookings.Please note that cancellations made with less than 24 hours notice will be charged for. You are advised to book early to avoid disappointment as places will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

Booking Information for Climbing Courses:
Please note the important booking information below:

  • Places can be booked over the telephone (members only) or in person.
  • For telephone bookings please contact the Sports Village on  01707 284466  with credit / debit card information to hand. Reception staff will complete the booking form on your behalf.
  • For in person bookings please visit the Sports Village reception and you will be able to book your session but payment will be required at the time you book. We regret we cannot accept provisional bookings.
  • Please note that cancellations made with less than 24 hours notice will be charged for.
  • You are advised to book early to avoid disappointment as places will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
  • Once bookings have been confirmed there will be no refunds or transfer of courses without a medical certificate.

Booking Information for Climbing Club Sessions:
Please note the important booking information below:

  • Places can be booked over the telephone (members only) or in person.
  • For telephone bookings please contact the Sports Village on  01707 284466  (members only) and we will take your booking. Payment is required at the time you attend your sessions.
  • For in person bookings please visit the Sports Village reception and you will be able to book your session but payment will be required at the time you book. We regret we cannot accept provisional bookings.
  • Please note that cancellations made with less than 24 hours notice will be charged for.
  • You are advised to book early to avoid disappointment as places will be allocated on a first come first served basis. 

Clothing Guidelines for Climbing at Hertfordshire Sports Village:

  • For your bottom half, we advise that you wear loose but not baggy tracksuit bottoms or similar, NOT jeans;
  • For your top half, we advise that you wear a short sleeved t-shirt long enough to cover your waist (it gets warm in the climbing wall area so long sleeve tops can be too warm and are not advised);
  • For your hair, we advise that long hair is tied back and that ponytails are tied low down to allow you to get the helmet on properly;
  • Remove (or better still leave at home) all loose items from your pockets that could fall out, or you could fall on to whilst you are climbing;
  • Avoid rings and watches to prevent damage and injury to you and your jewellery.